Nautical Term: Draft, marks
Definition of Draft, marks
The ‘draft, marks’ are numerical values placed in a vertical scale at the bow and stern of a vessel. These marks indicate the draft, or the depth of water a vessel needs to float, at each point.
For example, a captain might consult the draft, marks on their vessel before entering a new harbor. If the marks indicate that the vessel needs a greater depth of water than what’s available in the harbor, the captain may need to consider an alternate destination.
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